SALE OF POWER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23491, 31 October 1939, Page 8

SALE OF POWER

INCREASE!) EEVENUE AUCKLAND BOARD'S RETURNS RISE IN DOMESTIC DEMAND An increase of £49,480 in the total gross revenue of the Auckland ElectricPower Board for the half-year ended September 30, compared with an increase of £.'16,959 during the corresponding period of 1938, was reported by the general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, at a meeting of tho board yesterday. This total represents an increase of 11 per cent over the sales for last year. Mr. Bartlej' referred to the fact that his statement related to revenue only. Owing to pressure of work, principally in connection with tho multitude of matters required under recent legislation, it had not been possible to complete tho expenditure returns for tho half-year to date.

All classes of supply indicated a satisfactory increase in revenue, with the exception of traction supply. This was explained by the coming into force of tho new agreement with the Transport Board, which showed a substantial reduction, in the price per unit charged to that undertaking. The revenue from traction supply was £25,969, compared with £25,507 for the same period last year. Mr. Bartley said the lighting figures showed an increase over tho corresponding period of last year of £3425. Revenue from public lighting had increased by £IOO7, industrial power by £14,424, and domestic supply by £28,410, which was by far the largest increase shown.

"Reviewing the working for the half-year in general terms, it must be admitted that the position is a very satisfactory one, hut 1 feel that comment in this connection must be withheld until the expenditure side is obtainable," continued Mr. Bartley. "I fully expect that these figures will show increases; they cannot do otherwise in the present circumstances."